Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, both popular actors known for their roles in ‘That ’70s Show,’ met back in 1998. They eventually tied the knot in 2015, solidifying their relationship after years of friendship and love. Now, as they build their family, they have taken an unconventional approach toward parenting, particularly during the holiday season. The couple shares two children: Wyatt, aged 10, and Dimitri, aged 8.

Despite their combined wealth, estimated at a substantial $275 million, Mila and Ashton have chosen a path that diverges from typical holiday expectations. They have decided not to indulge their children with gifts during Christmas. This decision sprouts from a desire not to spoil them, but rather to instill values that emphasize gratitude and simplicity over material abundance. It’s a principle they are passionate about, encouraging even the children’s grandparents to partake in this tradition.

In a candid interview with Entertainment Tonight back in 2017, Mila and Ashton explained their unconventional approach. Their primary concern is raising their children to be compassionate and considerate individuals, rather than “spoiled” or “entitled.” They shared that “Our tradition is no presents for the kids.” This sentiment grew out of the realization that when their daughter Wyatt was just two years old, the gifts became overwhelming. The experience led them to conclude that she might not even comprehend what to expect besides receiving more and more toys. A feeling of entitlement was not the legacy they wished to pass to their children.

Faced with this dilemma, they took it upon themselves to change how Christmas was celebrated in their household. Mila remarked, “We told our parents, ‘We’re begging you – if you have to give her something, pick one gift.’,” adding that instead of gifts, they preferred the grandparents to make a charitable donation in the children’s names, perhaps to a Children’s Hospital or even supporting a pet shelter. This way, their kids could learn the invaluable lesson of supporting others in need, fostering a sense of community and giving without expecting anything in return.

Moreover, this approach goes beyond just holiday traditions. Mila and Ashton have expressed their commitment to raising their children within a framework of normalcy, despite their status and financial capabilities. They aim to cultivate an upbringing where their kids understand the value of hard work, empathy, and the importance of paving their own paths in life. To that effect, they have chosen not to establish trust funds for Wyatt and Dimitri, believing such an arrangement might not encourage them to work towards their own goals and achievements.

As role models to many and parents to two impressionable young ones, both Mila and Ashton acknowledge the responsibility they hold in shaping the mindset and values of their children. They are keen on fostering an environment where wealth does not dictate worth and where experiences and the joy of giving hold more value than material possessions. This approach is intended to ensure that their kids grow up appreciating both what they have and what they can offer to others, embodying a spirit of generosity and kindness inspired by their parents.

Looking forward, Mila and Ashton have expressed an intention to gradually impart the significance of their choices to Wyatt and Dimitri as they grow older. The couple believes that over time, their children will come to understand and cherish the importance of the values and traditions shared within their family. It’s not just about the act of giving, but about the spirit behind it—a spirit that transcends materialism and fosters a genuine connection with the world and the people around them.

In embracing this path, Mila and Ashton pave the way for a shared family experience marked by compassion and substantive connections rather than the fleeting joy derived from material gifts. Their decision stands as a reminder that the holiday season can be as much about sharing joy and gratitude as it can be about celebrating family bonds and commitments to personal values. The couple’s choice illustrates an admirable example of how prioritizing love and generosity can create lasting memories and values that resonate well beyond Christmas morning.